Rune and Aurelia reach the small harbor where Alex’s sailboat, Dawn’s Aria, is anchored, but Blood Guard soldiers are swarming the waterfront. Because the harbor is too dangerous, Aurelia hides nearby with Meadow while Rune goes alone to inspect the boat and see whether escape is still possible.

To avoid the soldiers, Rune slips into the cold water and swims out unseen. After climbing aboard the sailboat, Rune realizes she made a costly mistake: she forgot to leave Gideon’s pistol behind and has lost it somewhere in the sea. The weapon is gone for good, which leaves Rune more vulnerable as she continues planning their escape.

Belowdecks, Rune finds a barrel of water and feels immediate relief, silently thanking Alex for keeping the boat stocked. The discovery means the voyage itself may be possible, but Rune quickly sees the next problem: they still need food, especially for Meadow, and it is already after dusk, when shops are closed.

Rune remembers Gideon telling her he had only apples and hardtack under the sink in his tenement, and she still has the key in her pocket. The idea of breaking into Gideon’s apartment frightens her, but Rune convinces herself that Gideon would probably wait to use her to capture more witches rather than turn her in at once. Because Rune feels responsible for Aurelia and Meadow and is determined to get them out that night, Rune dives back into the sea and heads for the wharf, hoping Gideon will not be home.